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The N.
Ireland Guide to Pubs of Interest. |
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 KENNY VALENTINE (General Manager, Scotland & N.I.) PHIL ANNETT (Area Manager N. I.) MYSELF |
The J.D. Wetherspoon's chain
(heading for 600 premises nationally!) was set up by Tim Martin. He opened the
first pub in 1979 aged 24 (the same year he passed his Bar exams to qualify for
a barrister). In 1992 he floated the chain of (then) 44 pubs on the London Stock
Market. It is now worth around £850M. Martin is English by birth but was
brought up in Northern Ireland and New Zealand. The name derived from J.D.
"Boss" Hogg from the TV series "The Dukes of Hazard" and
from a former teacher named Wetherspoon. His brother Gerry was involved in the
trade as well with the pub chain Springbok.
All N. Ireland outlets cater for families, have designated no-smoking areas and open for breakfast at 10.00 in the morning. Food is served all day, every day, until half an hour or an hour before closing (times vary so please ask). |
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 WEBSITE: http://www.jdwetherspoon.co.uk/ |
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J.D.WETHERSPOON
PLC PO BOX 616 WATFORD WD24 4QU 01923 477777 |
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LATEST NEWS
After two years working with Cask Marque and Paul Nunny to have the award scheme started in the province Cask Marque assessor, Raymond Beaton, completed his work and Paul Nunny awarded all bar one of the local JD Wetherspoon outlets with a certificate. News in detail on the CASK MARQUE page. |
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The Bridge Bar * |
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| There is a lift to the upper floor for the disabled (ask at bar for details). Downstairs has large front windows, low and high tables, comfortable sofas with coffee tables and lots of modern paintings. Money has been spent here, and it shows. Lavish toilets includes a baby changing area (ask at bar for details). Above the upstairs bar is the new training area for the province. The premise should receive an award for quality refurbishment and keeping the listed front. Beer & food quality and prices are the usual Wetherspoon's consistency. Sadly, it is now trying too hard to have a dance floor that is seldom used - more seats people! | |
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The
Old Courthouse, * Castlerock Road, Coleraine, BT51 3HP. (028) 7032 5820 I personally believe this to be the best refurbishment of a licensed premise in the province. The front of the building, steps, patio and porch are gleaming. Walking in through the front door is breathtaking, trying to take in the lounge, circular wooden stairway, balcony and overhead windows all in one go. |
| Both downstairs and up has an embarrassment of wood with a lingering (imagined?) smell of government polish going back to schooldays. A rich carpet and good seating lends an air of relaxation probably not experienced in its days as a court house (built 1852). Food is the usual standard from JDW and the ales are good quality. "I will be back!" | |
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The
Central Bar * |
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The
Linenhall, * 11-13 Townhall Street, Enniskillen (028) 6634 0910 Multi level bars with entrances on Main Street and opposite bus depot at rear. Painted white with black surrounds, large windows, rear balcony and brick and stone archway. The name reflects the once main business in the county. Usual Wetherspoon's food and drink. Good parking at rear (pay, but free further up road). |
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The
Spinning Mill, * 17-21 Broughshane Street, Ballymena, BT43 6EB (028) 2563 8985 Excellent town centre pub with no music or TV's . The main bar in long and narrow with an upstairs bar and balcony. The front (listed) straddles an entrance to the beer garden with a third bar to the other side. Lots of brick, stone and reclaimed wood. Uplighters give a good airy feel to the place. Spot the leaded windows. Both bars have real ale with five hand pumps serving two guest beers plus two Hilden and one Whitewater (but the choice does change). Brilliant support of local breweries! Standard JDW fare but very tasty. Winner of the first "MARKSALEHOUSE" award 2001/2- SEE IT. |
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The Diamond,
*
23-24 The Diamond, Londonderry BT48 6HP. (028) 7127 2880 A bit like Dr. Who's TARDIS, much larger on the inside than you would expect. This former furniture shop is nicely laid out with large opening windows along the front giving a semi alfresco effect. Seating is well spaced out and the upper floor has a square balcony well. The only toilets are on the first floor but there is a lift for disabled access. Parking close by can be difficult. Staff are friendly and helpful. |
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The Ice Wharf
* |
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Tuesday Bell, *
Market Square, Lisburn. (028) 9262 7390 Normally I would recommend a Wetherspoon's pub, but this one, a beautiful new two storey premise only opened, is already spoiled by its reputation for trouble though this may change. Be advised! It has a large downstairs lounge with stairs and a lift leading upstairs to another large lounge. Toilets are in the basement. It is named after the market bell (now in the local museum) which announced Tuesday trading. |
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The Spirit Merchant,
* |
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